John Webber was a freelance engineer in several studios throughout the UK before becoming resident engineer at Blue Pro Studios. He has established himself mastering, mixing and producing for a wide variety of indie, jazz, pop, rock and world music acts from unsigned prospects through to major label talent. Previous clients include Universal, SonyBMG & World Music Network for artists including Whitey, Rooster, Simon Webbe and Polar Bear.

Hi John, what have I interrupted you doing today?
I have just completed mastering for Candid Records’ new signing, Joe Stilgoe, a really impressive Jazz album featuring a wonderful cover of the scarecrow’s song from the Wizard of Oz ‘If I only had a brain’.

How would you describe your role within the music industry?
Primarily within the industry my main role is as a mastering engineer. We have slowly built up the mastering facility at Blue Pro over the last 2 years to be truly world class and have become known for consistent high-end results. We do still offer recording and mixing but our mastering work does dominate our schedule these days.

How did you first get into the industry?
Well, I have always been into music and started playing guitar at a very young age. My first paid audio related role was making speaker grills at a local sweatshop, sorry factory, near my hometown (Southend On Sea). Feeling like I’d never escape, I got lucky and was employed as a technician in a local studio, which eventually led to engineering work. I was then invited onto the second year of a degree at LCM (London College Of Music) which resulted in meeting with Charles Westropp, which soon after resulted in mixing for Rooster (Sony BMG/Brightside) at Blue Pro Studios.

I understand you are launching a new website soon, can you tell me a little bit about it?
Well over the coming weeks www.blueprostudios.com will be replaced with what we feel is the most informative and interactive studio website around. Users can create accounts to upload material and book sessions. The site will also contain news feeds and offer lots of useful industry insight and tips.

Soon after the main studio site goes up we will also be launching www.remotemastering.com, the worlds most ‘easy to use’ and ‘functional’ online mastering facility. Nothing particularly groundbreaking on paper but the interface and site design is truly unique. Users will be able to check DDP masters, compare mastered and un-mastered material in real time and effortlessly submit work with a 5-day turnaround.

What projects are you currently working on?
Well as I mentioned I just finished the master for Joe (Stilgoe). I am about to start a mix with songwriter/producer Adam Crowe. I am also working with Goodbye/Delete on their debut EP (John is actually the founding member). I’m doing more work with The Operators who are on the cusp of being very big. Aside from this I am always mastering and often do several records a week.

Who have you enjoyed working with?
I enjoy anything that pushes me to enhance my own skills. If the music’s good and the people involved are passionate then I get a kick from it.

Who would you like to work with in the future?
Any artists who have the potential for greatness!

Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years?
It would be great to win a Grammy Award, as being noticed for your efforts is always cool! Really though, to be associated with great music in any shape or form would be fine. I also intend to do a bit more writing for other acts.

What tips could you give to help people survive the crazy world of music business?
What I tried to do was to be diverse and see what direction my opportunities led me in. I can write, produce, record, mix and master music. If you’re looking to make a living you certainly will find it hard to survive in one area exclusively, so be smart and dare I say it ‘think outside of the box’.

In general be persistent, be stubborn and never say no to anything work wise. Talent is not enough alone, it takes seriously hard work!

John Webber’s UK Music Jobs profile: http://my.music-jobs.com/john.webber
John Webber’s Myspace blog (full of advice on Home recording!): http://www.myspace.com/johnwebbermusic
Blue Pro Studios: http://www.blueprostudios.com

Lee.

Welcome to our new series of Q&A’s with music professionals from all walks of the industry. The idea of this series is to provide you with advice and insights into working in the UK Music Industry.

Tony Platt is a freelance Music Engineer/Producer based in the U.K. His career in the music business started at Trident Studios in London but he made his name as an engineer at the now legendary Island Studios and has worked in most of the best studios around the world recording some of the best artists including Bob Marley, AC/DC, Buddy Guy and more recently The Bad Plus.

Q1. What made you want to get into the music industry?

Mostly just a desire to do something that entailed music and tape recorders.

Q2. How did you begin your career in music?

I got a job as a tea boy at Trident studios beofre moving on to Island Studios as a tape operator.

Q3. What was your first experience of success in the industry and how did you build on it?

My first realisation that I had done something that had been noticed was when a person i knew from school stopped me in the street to tell me he had seen my name on a Bob Marley album - and he liked the album! I didn’t build on it because I had no concept of self promotion in those days. It was very much a case of good work got you noticed.

Q4. How has networking with other musicians and in the music business helped you?

In later years networking has been essential - people need to know you are there.

Q5. What sort of networking do you find the most effective for you?

I share a project studio within a larger complex which enables me to meet people just by going to make a cup of tea - you see tea features again! Being a member of the Music Producers Guild is useful too.

Q6. Are you a member of any music industry organisation or professional body?

I am a member of Music Producers Guild and JAMES (Joint Audio Media Educational Services). Both these help me to keep in touch with the trends and attitudes that drive the industry.

Q7. What would you recommend as the most effective method of breaking into the industry or gaining experience?

This depends very much on who you are. I think the most effective way nowadays would be to take a course and use the time there to build yourself a profile and portfolio.

Q8. What would you describe as the best thing about working in the industry?

Music

Q9. What’s the best bit of advice you have even been given about working in music?

Work with it - don’t fight it.

Q10. Who do you admire most in the industry?

I can’t honestly come up with just one person - there is a list that still gets added to year by year.

To view Tony’s UK Music Jobs profile please click here;http://uk.music-jobs.com/fview1.php?uid=753139&type=&start=&position=0&search_uid=&uploads=

We’re often asked how users of UK Music Jobs can maximise the value of their membership to the site - leading ultimately to that sought-after job.